US20050178368A1 - Evaporative emissions control system including a charcoal canister for small internal combustion engines - Google Patents
Evaporative emissions control system including a charcoal canister for small internal combustion engines Download PDFInfo
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- US20050178368A1 US20050178368A1 US11/035,655 US3565505A US2005178368A1 US 20050178368 A1 US20050178368 A1 US 20050178368A1 US 3565505 A US3565505 A US 3565505A US 2005178368 A1 US2005178368 A1 US 2005178368A1
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- fuel
- fuel tank
- carburetor
- engine
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
- B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
- B60K15/035—Fuel tanks characterised by venting means
- B60K15/03504—Fuel tanks characterised by venting means adapted to avoid loss of fuel or fuel vapour, e.g. with vapour recovery systems
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
- F02M25/00—Engine-pertinent apparatus for adding non-fuel substances or small quantities of secondary fuel to combustion-air, main fuel or fuel-air mixture
- F02M25/08—Engine-pertinent apparatus for adding non-fuel substances or small quantities of secondary fuel to combustion-air, main fuel or fuel-air mixture adding fuel vapours drawn from engine fuel reservoir
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
- F02M25/00—Engine-pertinent apparatus for adding non-fuel substances or small quantities of secondary fuel to combustion-air, main fuel or fuel-air mixture
- F02M25/08—Engine-pertinent apparatus for adding non-fuel substances or small quantities of secondary fuel to combustion-air, main fuel or fuel-air mixture adding fuel vapours drawn from engine fuel reservoir
- F02M25/089—Layout of the fuel vapour installation
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
- F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
- F02M35/10—Air intakes; Induction systems
- F02M35/10006—Air intakes; Induction systems characterised by the position of elements of the air intake system in direction of the air intake flow, i.e. between ambient air inlet and supply to the combustion chamber
- F02M35/10019—Means upstream of the fuel injection system, carburettor or plenum chamber
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
- F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
- F02M35/10—Air intakes; Induction systems
- F02M35/10209—Fluid connections to the air intake system; their arrangement of pipes, valves or the like
- F02M35/10222—Exhaust gas recirculation [EGR]; Positive crankcase ventilation [PCV]; Additional air admission, lubricant or fuel vapour admission
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
- B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
- B60K15/035—Fuel tanks characterised by venting means
- B60K2015/03542—Mounting of the venting means
- B60K2015/03557—Mounting of the venting means comprising elements of the venting device integrated in the fuel tank, e.g. vapor recovery means
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
- F02B63/00—Adaptations of engines for driving pumps, hand-held tools or electric generators; Portable combinations of engines with engine-driven devices
- F02B63/02—Adaptations of engines for driving pumps, hand-held tools or electric generators; Portable combinations of engines with engine-driven devices for hand-held tools
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
- F02M25/00—Engine-pertinent apparatus for adding non-fuel substances or small quantities of secondary fuel to combustion-air, main fuel or fuel-air mixture
- F02M25/08—Engine-pertinent apparatus for adding non-fuel substances or small quantities of secondary fuel to combustion-air, main fuel or fuel-air mixture adding fuel vapours drawn from engine fuel reservoir
- F02M25/0854—Details of the absorption canister
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
- F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
- F02M35/02—Air cleaners
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
- F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
- F02M35/10—Air intakes; Induction systems
- F02M35/1015—Air intakes; Induction systems characterised by the engine type
- F02M35/1017—Small engines, e.g. for handheld tools, or model engines; Single cylinder engines
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
- F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
- F02M35/10—Air intakes; Induction systems
- F02M35/1015—Air intakes; Induction systems characterised by the engine type
- F02M35/10196—Carburetted engines
Definitions
- the present invention relates to small internal combustion engines of the type used with lawnmowers, lawn tractors, other utility implements, and in sport vehicles, for example.
- the present invention relates to an evaporative emissions control system for such engines.
- Small internal combustion engines of the type used with lawnmowers, lawn tractors, other small utility implements, or in sport vehicles typically include an intake system including a carburetor attached to the engine which mixes liquid fuel with atmospheric air to form a fuel/air mixture which is drawn into the engine for combustion.
- One known type of carburetor includes a fuel bowl containing a supply of liquid fuel which is drawn into the throat of the carburetor to mix with atmospheric air during running of the engine.
- a float within the fuel bowl actuates a valve which meters liquid fuel into the fuel bowl from a fuel tank.
- a diaphragm pump attached to the crankcase of the engine is actuated by pressure pulses within the engine to pump fuel from a fuel tank into a fuel chamber within the carburetor, from which the fuel is drawn into the throat of the carburetor to mix with atmospheric air.
- the carburetor is attached via a fuel line to a fuel tank, which stores a quantity of liquid fuel.
- the fuel tank includes a filler neck through which fuel may be filled into the fuel tank, and a fuel tank cap is attached to the filler neck to close the fuel tank.
- the fuel tank cap usually includes a venting structure for allowing any pressurized fuel vapors within the fuel tank to vent through the fuel tank cap to the atmosphere. Also, the venting structure allows atmospheric air to enter the fuel tank from the atmosphere as necessary to occupy the expanding volume within the fuel tank which is created as the fuel within the fuel tank is consumed by the engine.
- Other small internal combustion engines include fuel injection systems for supplying liquid fuel from the fuel tank to an intake manifold of the engine.
- a problem with the existing intake and fuel supply systems of such small internal combustion engines is that fuel vapors may escape from the fuel supply systems to the atmosphere, such as from the carburetor or from the fuel tank.
- fuel vapors may escape to the atmosphere via the internal venting structure of the carburetor which connects the air space of the fuel bowl with the carburetor throat.
- fuel vapors in the fuel tank may escape to the atmosphere through the venting structure in the fuel tank cap.
- the present invention provides an evaporative emissions control system for small internal combustion engines, including a fuel vapor control device, such as a charcoal canister which is in fluid communication with the air space above the liquid fuel within the carburetor of the engine and the air space above the liquid fuel within the fuel tank of the engine.
- a fuel vapor control device such as a charcoal canister which is in fluid communication with the air space above the liquid fuel within the carburetor of the engine and the air space above the liquid fuel within the fuel tank of the engine.
- the charcoal canister contains charcoal media, and when the engine is not running, fuel vapors from the carburetor and the fuel tank migrate to, and are trapped within, the charcoal media of the charcoal canister.
- the charcoal canister may comprise a separate component, or may be integrally formed with an engine component such as the air cleaner, the carburetor, or the body of the fuel tank, for example.
- an evaporative emissions control system including a charcoal canister is provided for an engine which includes a fuel injection system.
- the charcoal canister is integrally formed with the air cleaner or with the body of the fuel tank.
- the charcoal canister includes a long dimension having opposite ends each fluidly connected to a vacuum source within the carburetor, and a minor dimension having one or more fittings fluidly communicating the charcoal canister with the fuel bowl of the carburetor and with the fuel tank.
- a fuel tank cap connected to the filler neck of the fuel tank, includes charcoal media which trap fuel vapors from the fuel tank. Additionally, the fuel tank cap is in fluid communication with the carburetor fuel bowl such that that fuel vapors from the carburetor fuel bowl migrate to, and are trapped within, the charcoal media of the fuel tank cap. During running of the engine, vacuum from the carburetor is communicated to the fuel tank cap, inducing an air flow through the fuel tank cap which purges the fuel vapors from the charcoal media in the fuel tank cap for consumption by the engine.
- the charcoal canister is in fluid communication with the intake manifold of the engine on opposite sides of a fuel injector body connected to the intake manifold.
- a fuel pump is disposed in a fuel supply line between the fuel tank and the fuel injector body.
- vapors from the fuel tank are trapped within the charcoal canister.
- a vacuum is created in the intake manifold, inducing an air flow through the charcoal canister which purges the fuel vapors from the charcoal media for consumption by the engine.
- the fuel pump supplies fuel through the fuel supply line to the fuel injector body for injection into the intake manifold to combine with the intake air.
- the present evaporative emissions control system facilitates the collection and trapping of fuel vapors from the fuel supply system of the engine within a charcoal canister to prevent the fuel vapors from exiting the fuel system of the engine to the atmosphere.
- the collected fuel vapors are purged from the charcoal canister and are consumed within the engine.
- operation of the present emissions control system requires no action on the part of the operator of the engine, and is fully automatic responsive to the running conditions of the engine.
- the present invention provides an internal combustion engine, including a carburetor having an intake air passage, and a fuel chamber in fluid communication with the passage, the chamber containing a volume of liquid fuel and an air space; a fuel tank in fluid communication with the fuel chamber, the fuel tank containing a volume of liquid fuel and an air space; and a fuel vapor control device including a housing containing fuel vapor absorbent media and having a substantially elongate profile with first and second ends and a central portion therebetween, at least one of the carburetor air space and the fuel tank air space in fluid communication with the central portion of the housing, the carburetor passage in fluid communication with one of the first and second ends and the other of the first and second ends in fluid communication with the atmosphere, whereby fuel vapors collect within the fuel vapor absorbent media, and passage of air through the carburetor passage induces a flow of air from the atmosphere through the housing to the carburetor passage to purge fuel vapors from the housing.
- the present invention provides an internal combustion engine operable at low and high speeds, including a carburetor including a passage through which engine intake air is drawn, the passage having an inlet and an outlet; a throttle valve disposed within the passage, the throttle valve movable between a substantially closed position corresponding to low engine speeds and a substantially open position corresponding to high engine speeds; and a fuel chamber in fluid communication with the passage, the fuel chamber containing a volume of liquid fuel and an air space; a fuel tank in fluid communication with the fuel chamber, the fuel tank containing a volume of liquid fuel and an air space; and a fuel vapor control device including a housing containing fuel vapor absorbent media, the housing in fluid communication with at least one of the carburetor air space and the fuel tank air space, and in fluid communication with the carburetor passage at a first location proximate the throttle valve and at a second location proximate the inlet; whereby fuel vapors collect within the fuel vapor absorbent media of the housing, and at low engine speeds, air
- the present invention provides an internal combustion engine, including a carburetor having an intake air passage, and a fuel chamber in fluid communication with the passage, the chamber containing a volume of liquid fuel and an air space; a fuel tank in fluid communication with the fuel chamber, the fuel tank containing a volume of liquid fuel and an air space; and a fuel tank cap attached to the fuel tank and containing fuel vapor absorbent media, the fuel tank cap in fluid communication with the carburetor passage, the atmosphere, and with at least one of the fuel tank air space and the carburetor airspace; whereby fuel vapors collect within the fuel vapor absorbent media, and passage of air through the carburetor passage induces a flow of air from the atmosphere through the fuel tank cap to the carburetor passage to purge fuel vapors from the fuel tank cap.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lawnmower including an internal combustion engine having an evaporative emissions controls system in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the evaporative emissions control system
- FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, partial sectional view through the fuel tank body, showing a combination valve used in the present evaporative emissions control systems;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the evaporative emissions control system
- FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the evaporative emissions control system
- FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of the evaporative emissions control system
- FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7 - 7 of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of the evaporative emissions control system.
- lawnmower 20 is shown as an example of an implement with which a small internal combustion engine may be used, the engine including an evaporative emissions control system of the present invention.
- Lawnmower 20 generally includes deck 22 having wheels 24 , and a user-operable handle 26 extending upwardly from deck 22 .
- a small internal combustion engine 28 is mounted to deck 22 .
- Engine 28 is shown herein as a vertical crankshaft engine which drives a cutting blade (not shown) disposed beneath deck 22 .
- Engine 28 includes fuel tank 32 storing liquid fuel, with fuel tank 32 closed by fuel tank cap 34 .
- fuel tank 32 supplies liquid fuel to the fuel bowl of carburetor 36 , which mixes the fuel with intake air to provide a fuel/air combustion mixture for engine 28 .
- an evaporative emissions control system 30 a in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.
- the evaporative emissions control system disclosed herein include fuel vapor control devices, such as canisters, that contain a fuel absorbent media.
- An exemplary fuel absorbent media is charcoal, although other types of fuel absorbent media may also be used.
- Carburetor 36 is connected to the intake passage (not shown) of engine 28 , and generally includes carburetor body 38 having an intake air passage or throat 40 with inlet end 42 , and outlet end 44 connected to the intake passage of engine 28 .
- Throat 40 includes a constricted portion or venturi 46 proximate a main fuel jet 48 through which liquid fuel is drawn from fuel bowl 50 of carburetor 36 into throat 40 for mixing with intake air in a known manner during running of engine 28 .
- Fuel bowl 50 is connected to carburetor body 38 in a suitable manner, and contains a volume of liquid fuel.
- fuel bowl 50 includes a float-type valve (not shown) for metering liquid fuel into fuel bowl 50 from fuel tank 32 via a gravity feed or pump feed, for example.
- a throttle valve plate 52 Disposed within throat 40 of carburetor 36 is a throttle valve plate 52 , which is rotatable to vary the amount of air/fuel mixture which is supplied to engine 28 , and therefore to in turn vary the running speed of engine 28 .
- Throttle valve 52 is controlled by an operator of engine 28 and/or by the governor (not shown) of engine 28 through a suitable linkage arrangement, for example.
- carburetor 36 is shown herein as a fuel bowl or float-type carburetor, the evaporative emissions control systems of the present invention are equally applicable to diaphragm carburetors.
- Air cleaner 54 is attached to inlet end 42 of carburetor 36 , and includes a housing containing filter media 56 for filtering dust, dirt, and other debris from the intake air which is drawn through inlet openings 57 in the housing of air cleaner 54 .
- Fuel tank 32 generally includes fuel tank body 58 and filler neck 60 having external threads.
- Fuel tank cap 34 includes internal threads for threaded attachment to filler neck 60 to close fuel tank 32 .
- Gasket 62 is disposed within fuel tank cap 34 to provide a fluid tight seal between fuel tank cap 34 and filler neck 60 such that, when fuel tank cap 34 is attached to filler neck 60 , air is prevented from entering fuel tank 32 from the atmosphere, and fuel vapors within fuel tank 32 are prevented from escaping fuel tank 32 to the atmosphere.
- fuel tank cap 34 is a “non-vented” cap, and differs from known fuel tank caps which include fuel tank venting arrangements.
- Fuel tank 32 stores a quantity of liquid fuel, which is supplied through fuel outlet 64 of fuel tank 34 and fuel supply line 66 to fuel inlet 68 of fuel bowl 50 of carburetor 36 by a gravity feed when fuel tank 32 is disposed above fuel bowl 50 .
- a fuel pump such as fuel pump 67 of FIG. 4 , may be used to convey liquid fuel from fuel tank 32 to fuel bowl 50 during running of engine 28 .
- Evaporative emissions control system 30 a includes a fuel vapor control device, shown as charcoal or carbon canister 70 .
- charcoal canister 70 may be integrally formed with air cleaner 54 .
- charcoal canister 70 may be integrated into carburetor body 38 , or may comprise a separate, stand-alone component attached to air cleaner 54 , carburetor body 38 , or another suitable portion of engine 28 or the implement with which engine 28 is used.
- FIGS. 4-8 include similar fuel vapor control devices, and the following discussion of same is also applicable thereto.
- Charcoal canister 70 includes a elongated housing 72 having an open first end 74 and an opposite second end 76 with fitting 78 , wherein first and second ends 74 and 76 are oriented along the major dimension of charcoal canister 70 .
- Fitting 80 is located near the central portion of charcoal canister 70 about the minor dimension of charcoal canister 70 .
- Charcoal canister 70 includes charcoal media 84 therein for trapping fuel vapors, as described further below.
- Charcoal media 84 may be in the form of small pellets of activated charcoal or carbon, or other suitable absorbent material, for example, and suitable charcoal media is available from many commercial sources, such as Sentec E&E Co., Ltd., of Taiwan, and MeadWestvaco Corporation, P. O. Box 14, Covington, Va. 24426.
- Charcoal media 84 is typically rated by its Normal Butane Capacity (“NBC”) in g/ml.
- NBC Normal Butane Capacity
- a typical NBC rating is 10, but carbon having capacities of up to 15 is commercially available.
- Housing 72 of charcoal canister 70 has an elongate profile, such that the length of housing 72 is greater than its cross-sectional width.
- housing 72 may have a length to cross sectional width aspect ratio of two, three, four, five, six, seven, or more for the reasons discussed below.
- canister 70 may have a length to diameter ratio of from 1 to 7, more preferably from 2 to 7, most preferably from 3 to 7.
- the volume of canister 70 is sized according to the volumetric capacity of fuel tank 32 .
- a typical ratio of the volume of liquid fuel in tank 32 to the volume of charcoal media 84 within canister 70 is 16 for NBC 10 carbon, however, the foregoing may be varied with use of carbon having different NBC ratings.
- a fuel tank of a typical walk behind lawn mower engine having a volumetric capacity of 950 cc (1 quart) would require a canister having a volume of 60 cc using 10 NBC carbon, wherein use of 15 NBC carbon may allow the volume of the canister to be reduced 20% to 48 cc.
- a fuel tank of a larger engine such as the engine of a riding lawnmower having a volumetric capacity of 4750 cc (5 quarts)
- Fuel tank 32 includes a vent housing 88 formed as a portion of the body 58 of fuel tank 32 , with vent housing 88 including fittings 90 and 91 .
- Vent line 92 connects fittings 90 and 80 to communicate vent housing 88 with charcoal canister 70 .
- Combination valve 94 is mounted in fuel tank body 58 , and is made of a resilient material such as rubber or a flexible plastic. Referring additionally to FIG. 3 , combination valve 94 includes a head or flange 96 , and a pair of flaps 98 about a main passageway 100 which extends through valve 94 .
- Combination valve 94 may be attached to fuel tank body 58 by pressing valve 94 into opening 102 in fuel tank body 58 , with catches 104 of flaps 98 engaging behind fuel tank body 58 with flaps 98 extending into the interior of fuel tank 32 .
- Flaps 98 are “duck bill”-type flaps which are normally resiliently biased together to prevent air from passing from fuel tank 32 into vent housing 88 .
- flaps 98 may flexibly separate from one another to permit air flow from vent housing 88 to fuel tank 32 .
- Flange 96 of combination valve 94 normally overlays and closes hole 106 in fuel tank body 58 .
- fuel vapors within fuel tank 32 when built to a sufficient pressure, may resiliently deflect flange 96 of combination valve 94 upwardly, such that the fuel vapors may pass through hole 106 into vent housing 88 .
- fuel bowl vent line 108 is connected between a fitting 110 of fuel bowl 50 and fitting 91 of vent housing to fluidly communicate the air space above the fuel within fuel bowl 50 with vent housing 88
- line 112 is connected between fitting 78 of charcoal canister 70 and a fitting 114 in carburetor body 38 which is disposed proximate throttle valve 52 to fluidly communicate throat 40 of carburetor with charcoal canister 70 .
- evaporative emissions control system 30 a The operation of evaporative emissions control system 30 a is as follows. When engine 28 is not running, fuel vapors above the liquid fuel in fuel tank 32 are trapped within fuel tank 32 by fuel tank cap 34 and combination valve 94 . When the fuel vapors build to a sufficient pressure within fuel tank 32 , the fuel vapors deflect flange 96 ( FIG. 3 ) of combination valve 94 and pass through hole 106 in fuel tank body 58 into vent housing 88 . Thereafter, the fuel vapors pass through vent line 92 into charcoal canister 70 , where the fuel vapors are trapped within charcoal media 84 .
- fuel vapors above the liquid fuel within fuel bowl 50 of carburetor 36 may pass through fuel bowl vent line 108 into vent housing 88 and thence through vent line 92 into charcoal canister 70 , where the fuel vapors are trapped within charcoal media 84 .
- evaporative emissions control system 30 a is closed to the atmosphere when engine 28 is not running, and fuel vapors within the fuel supply system of engine 28 are trapped within charcoal canister 70 .
- fitting 80 of charcoal canister 70 through which fuel vapors pass into charcoal media 84 , is disposed at the central portion of charcoal canister 70 .
- fuel vapors from fuel tank 32 and fuel bowl 50 saturate the charcoal media 84 progressively from the center of charcoal canister 70 horizontally outwardly toward the opposite first and second ends 74 and 76 of charcoal canister 70 .
- the interior volume of charcoal canister 70 is most effectively utilized for trapping fuel vapors within charcoal media 84 .
- throttle valve 52 At high engine running speeds, throttle valve 52 is mostly fully open, such that a relatively weak vacuum is generated near throttle valve 52 .
- a strong air flow is induced through throat 40 of carburetor 36 , which air flow passes open end 74 of canister 70 to induce an air flow through canister 70 from second end 76 to first end 74 of charcoal canister 70 in an opposite direction to that described above.
- fuel vapors are purged from charcoal media 84 into the main induction air stream through throat 40 of carburetor 36 and into engine 28 for consumption.
- charcoal vapors within charcoal media 84 may be purged from charcoal canister 70 in either one of the above-described two directions, resulting in an effective, thorough purging of the collected fuel vapors from charcoal canister 70 .
- atmospheric make-up air may enter charcoal canister 70 during purging of fuel vapors as described above, and a portion of this air may pass through vent line 92 into vent housing 88 , and thereafter through flaps 98 of combination valve 94 into fuel tank 32 as necessary to occupy the expanded air volume created by the consumption of liquid fuel from fuel tank 32 during running of engine 28 .
- evaporative emissions control system 30 a also includes an anti-rollover valve 210 in vent line 92 to prevent liquid fuel from passing from fuel tank 32 or fuel bowl 50 into charcoal canister 70 .
- Anti-rollover valve 210 includes valve body 212 having fittings for vent line 92 .
- Valve body 212 includes central bore 214 having one or more grooves 216 therein.
- Weight 218 is normally biased upwardly by main spring 220 , and needle valve member 222 is connected to weight 218 by secondary spring 224 , which is in tension. Normally, when valve body 212 is disposed in a substantially vertical orientation, as shown in FIG.
- valve body 212 moves toward a substantially horizontal position, such as when lawnmower 20 and engine 28 ( FIG. 1 ) are tipped, main spring 220 overcomes the gravitational force upon weight 218 and biases weight 218 toward valve seat 226 , such that secondary spring 224 and needle valve member 222 are biased into engagement with valve seat 226 , preventing passage of vapors or liquid fuel through valve body 212 .
- Evaporative emissions control systems 30 b , 30 c , 30 d , and 30 e of FIGS. 4-8 also include anti-rollover valves 210 ; however, the structural details of anti-rollover valve 210 are omitted from FIGS. 4-8 for clarity.
- Evaporative emissions control system 30 b according to a second embodiment is shown in FIG. 4 , in which identical reference numerals are used to denote identical or substantially identical components between the first and second embodiments.
- Evaporative emissions control system 30 b of FIG. 4 includes charcoal canister 70 integrally formed with body 58 of fuel tank 32 , and anti-rollover valve 210 is disposed within fuel tank body 32 and fluidly communicates directly with charcoal canister 70 .
- Line 116 is connected between fitting 118 of air cleaner 54 and fitting 120 of charcoal canister 70 to fluidly communicate air cleaner 54 and charcoal canister 70 .
- Fuel bowl vent line 108 is connected between fitting 110 of fuel bowl 50 and fitting 93 of fuel tank.
- fuel supply line 66 may include fuel pump 67 for pumping fuel from fuel tank 32 to fuel bowl 50 of carburetor 36 .
- Fuel pump 67 may be a diaphragm-type fuel pump actuated by pressure pulses within the crankcase of engine 28 , or alternatively, may be an electrical pump or a shaft-driven type pump driven from engine 28 .
- Each of the embodiments of FIGS. 2, 4 , 5 , and 6 may also optionally include fuel pump 67 .
- Fuel pump 67 may be included in fuel supply line 66 where fuel tank 32 is disposed at the same level or lower than carburetor 36 , for example, where a gravity fuel feed through fuel supply line 66 may not be effective.
- fuel pump 67 may be needed to force fuel from fuel tank 32 such that make-up air may more easily enter fuel tank 32 through combination valve 94 , particularly when the level of fuel in fuel tank 32 is low, and gravity feed of fuel through fuel supply line 66 is less effective.
- evaporative emissions control system 30 b The operation of evaporative emissions control system 30 b is similar to the operation of evaporative emissions control system 30 a described above. Specifically, when engine 28 is not running, fuel vapors within fuel tank 32 pass through anti-rollover valve 210 into charcoal media 84 of charcoal canister 70 , where the fuel vapors are trapped. Similarly, fuel vapors may pass from fuel bowl 50 through fuel bowl vent line 108 into fuel tank 32 , and thence through anti-rollover valve 210 into charcoal canister 70 where the fuel vapors are trapped by the charcoal media 84 .
- charcoal canister 70 When engine 28 is running at low load conditions, a relatively strong vacuum is communicated through line 112 to charcoal canister 70 . Concurrently, atmospheric air is drawn into charcoal canister 70 through line 116 . The foregoing induces atmospheric air flow through charcoal canister 70 from its first end 74 to its second end 76 , thereby purging the fuel vapors from charcoal media 84 through line 112 into throat 40 of carburetor 36 for consumption within engine 28 .
- Evaporative emissions control system 30 c according to a third embodiment is shown in FIG. 5 , in which identical reference numerals are used to denote identical or substantially identical components between the first, second, and third embodiments.
- Evaporative emissions control system 30 c does not include charcoal canister 70 , but rather includes fuel tank cap 130 having an integral charcoal housing 132 .
- Filler neck 134 of fuel tank 32 includes annular outer wall 136 having external threads, and annular inner wall 138 .
- Annular well 140 is defined between outer wall 136 and inner wall 138 within filler neck 134 .
- Outer wall 136 additionally includes fitting 142 for connection to vent line 112 .
- Charcoal housing 132 of fuel tank cap 130 contains charcoal media 84 , and fuel tank cap 130 additionally includes upper wall 144 and lower wall 146 .
- Skirt portion 148 depends from lower wall 146 , and includes internal threads for engaging the external threads of outer wall 136 of filler neck 134 for screw-threaded attachment of fuel tank cap 130 to filler neck 134 .
- Gasket 150 is disposed between fuel tank cap 130 and filler neck 134 to provide a seal therebetween, and gasket 150 includes one or more holes 152 .
- Lower wall 146 of fuel tank cap 130 includes anti-rollover valve 210 of the type described above, which extends into filler neck 134 , as well as a plurality of holes 154 in alignment with holes 152 of gasket 150 , wherein both holes 152 and 154 are in communication with well 140 of filler neck 134 .
- gasket 150 and lower wall 146 of fuel tank cap 130 may include mutually aligned slots or other openings.
- Upper wall 144 of fuel tank cap 130 also includes a combination valve 94 of the type described above.
- a shut-off valve 158 is disposed within vacuum line 112 .
- Shut-off valve 158 is normally closed when engine 28 is not running to block communication between throat 40 of carburetor 36 and charcoal housing 132 , and shut-off valve 158 is normally open when engine 28 is running.
- Shut-off valve 158 may be operatively connected with the bail assembly 159 on handle 26 of lawnmower 20 ( FIG. 1 ), for example, or may be connected in another suitable manner mechanically or electrically with another suitable operator control of an implement with which engine 28 is used, such that shut-off valve 158 opens just prior to, or contemporaneously with, the starting of engine 28 and remains open during running of engine 28 .
- shut-off valve 158 may be directly responsive to the running of engine 28 itself, for example, shut-off valve 158 may be opened and closed responsive to centrifugal forces via a connection to a rotating shaft driven from engine 28 in the manner disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/508,363, entitled CENTRIFUGALLY OPERATED EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES, filed on Oct. 3, 2003 (Attorney Docket Ref.: TEL0735), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- Fuel bowl vent line 108 is connected between fitting 110 of fuel bowl 50 and fitting 93 of fuel tank 32 .
- evaporative emissions control system 30 c The operation of evaporative emissions control system 30 c is as follows. When engine 28 is not running, fuel vapors above the liquid fuel in fuel tank 32 are trapped within fuel tank 32 by fuel tank cap 130 , and pass through anti-rollover valve 210 of fuel tank cap 130 and into charcoal housing 132 of fuel tank cap 130 where the fuel vapors are trapped by charcoal media 84 . Similarly, fuel vapors above the liquid fuel within fuel bowl 50 of carburetor 36 may pass through fuel bowl vent line 108 into fuel tank 32 , and thence through anti-rollover valve 210 of fuel tank cap 130 and into charcoal housing 132 of fuel tank cap 130 , where the fuel vapors are trapped by charcoal media 84 . In this manner, evaporative emissions control system 30 c is closed to the atmosphere when engine 28 is not running, and fuel vapors within the fuel supply system of engine 28 are trapped within fuel tank cap 130 .
- shut-off valve 158 Upon starting of engine 28 , shut-off valve 158 is opened, and the passage of intake air through throat 40 of carburetor 36 creates a vacuum which is communicated through vacuum line 112 to well 140 , and thence through holes 152 of gasket 150 and holes 154 in lower wall 146 of fuel tank cap 130 to charcoal housing 132 of fuel tank cap 130 . Concurrently, atmospheric air may enter charcoal housing 132 through the combination valve 94 in upper wall 144 of fuel tank cap 130 , thereby inducing a flow of air through charcoal housing 132 to purge the collected fuel vapors from charcoal media 84 and draw same into throat 40 of carburetor 36 , where the fuel vapors are consumed by engine 28 .
- shut-off valve 158 automatically closes to return evaporative emissions control system 30 c to its closed state, described above.
- Evaporative emissions control system 30 d is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , in which identical reference numerals are used to denote identical or substantially identical components between the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments.
- Evaporative emissions control system 30 d is similar to evaporative emissions control system 30 c in that same includes fuel tank cap 130 with charcoal housing 132 .
- outer and inner walls 136 and 138 of filler neck 134 define well in filler neck 134
- outer wall 136 of filler neck 134 includes a pair of fittings 166 and 168 for connection to vent line 92 and to vacuum line 112 , respectively.
- upper wall 144 of fuel tank cap 130 lacks a hole 106 therein beneath flange 96 of combination valve 94 ( FIG. 3 ), such that air from the atmosphere may pass through combination valve 94 into charcoal housing 132 of fuel tank cap 130 , but air within charcoal housing 132 of fuel tank cap 130 is prevented from exiting fuel tank cap 130 through this combination valve 94 .
- fuel vapors above the liquid fuel in fuel tank 32 are trapped within fuel tank 32 by fuel tank cap 130 , and pass through anti-rollover valve 210 of fuel tank cap 130 into charcoal housing 132 of fuel tank cap 130 , where the vapors are trapped by charcoal media 84 .
- fuel vapors above the liquid fuel within fuel bowl 50 of carburetor 36 may pass through fuel bowl vent line 92 into filler neck 134 , and thereafter through anti-rollover valve 210 of fuel tank cap 130 and into charcoal housing 132 , where the fuel vapors are trapped by charcoal media 84 .
- evaporative emissions control system 30 d is closed to the atmosphere when engine 28 is not running, and fuel vapors within the fuel supply system of engine 28 are trapped within fuel tank cap 130 .
- Evaporative emissions control system 30 e is shown in FIG. 8 , in which identical reference numerals are used to denote identical or substantially identical components between the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth embodiments.
- Evaporative emissions control system 30 e is similar to evaporative emissions control system 30 b of FIG. 4 in that same includes charcoal canister 70 integral with fuel tank 32 .
- the charcoal canister 70 of evaporative emissions control system 30 e may also optionally be configured as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 2, 5 , and 6 .
- evaporative emissions control system 30 e is for use with a small internal combustion engine 28 which includes a fuel injection system.
- Intake manifold 180 includes fuel injector body 182 connected thereto, with fuel injector body 182 including at least one fuel injector nozzle (not shown) in fluid communication with intake manifold 180 .
- Fuel supply line 184 is connected to fuel outlet 64 of fuel tank 32 , and fuel pump 186 is disposed within fuel supply line 184 to supply liquid fuel under pressure to fuel injector body 182 .
- Fuel return line 188 is connected between fuel injector body 182 and fuel inlet 190 of fuel tank 32 to return excess fuel from fuel injector body 182 to fuel tank 32 .
- Fuel pump 186 may be a diaphragm-type fuel pump actuated by pressure pulses within the crankcase of engine 28 , or alternatively, may be an electrical pump or a shaft-driven pump driven from engine 28 .
- Fuel vent lines 192 and 194 are connected to inlet manifold 180 upstream and downstream of fuel injector body 182 at fittings 196 , 198 , respectively, and are also connected to fittings 200 and 202 , respectively, at opposite ends of charcoal canister 70 .
- fuel injector nozzle of fuel injector body 182 is closed, such that liquid fuel does not enter intake manifold 180 of engine 28 . Additionally, fuel vapors from within the interior of fuel tank 32 pass through anti-rollover valve 210 as described above, and are trapped within charcoal media 84 of charcoal canister 70 .
- fuel pump 186 is actuated to supply fuel under high pressure through fuel supply line 184 from fuel tank 32 to fuel injector body 182 , and a portion of the fuel is injected by fuel injector body 182 into intake manifold 180 for combining with the intake air to supply a fuel/air combustion mixture to engine 28 for combustion. The remainder of the fuel at a lesser pressure returns to fuel tank 32 through fuel return line 188 . In this manner, a continuous fuel supply loop is maintained between fuel tank 32 and fuel injector body 182 with the continuous supply of fuel through the fuel loop aiding the cooling of fuel injector body 182 .
- intake manifold 180 creates a vacuum in intake air manifold 180 , which induces a flow of air through vent line 192 into first end 74 of charcoal canister 70 , and outward through second end 76 of charcoal canister 70 through vent line 194 into intake manifold 180 to purge fuel vapors from charcoal canister 70 when engine 28 is running, which fuel vapors are consumed by engine 28 .
- operation of fuel pump 186 ceases, and fuel injector body 182 closes to return evaporative emissions control system 30 e to its closed state, described above.
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Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/540,994, entitled EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM INCLUDING A CHARCOAL CANISTER FOR SMALL INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES, filed on Feb. 2, 2004, as well as U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/559,505, entitled EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM INCLUDING A CHARCOAL CANISTER FOR SMALL INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES, filed on Apr. 5, 2004.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to small internal combustion engines of the type used with lawnmowers, lawn tractors, other utility implements, and in sport vehicles, for example. In particular, the present invention relates to an evaporative emissions control system for such engines.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Small internal combustion engines of the type used with lawnmowers, lawn tractors, other small utility implements, or in sport vehicles typically include an intake system including a carburetor attached to the engine which mixes liquid fuel with atmospheric air to form a fuel/air mixture which is drawn into the engine for combustion.
- One known type of carburetor includes a fuel bowl containing a supply of liquid fuel which is drawn into the throat of the carburetor to mix with atmospheric air during running of the engine. A float within the fuel bowl actuates a valve which meters liquid fuel into the fuel bowl from a fuel tank. In another known type of carburetor, a diaphragm pump attached to the crankcase of the engine is actuated by pressure pulses within the engine to pump fuel from a fuel tank into a fuel chamber within the carburetor, from which the fuel is drawn into the throat of the carburetor to mix with atmospheric air.
- In each of the foregoing arrangements, the carburetor is attached via a fuel line to a fuel tank, which stores a quantity of liquid fuel. The fuel tank includes a filler neck through which fuel may be filled into the fuel tank, and a fuel tank cap is attached to the filler neck to close the fuel tank. The fuel tank cap usually includes a venting structure for allowing any pressurized fuel vapors within the fuel tank to vent through the fuel tank cap to the atmosphere. Also, the venting structure allows atmospheric air to enter the fuel tank from the atmosphere as necessary to occupy the expanding volume within the fuel tank which is created as the fuel within the fuel tank is consumed by the engine.
- Other small internal combustion engines include fuel injection systems for supplying liquid fuel from the fuel tank to an intake manifold of the engine.
- A problem with the existing intake and fuel supply systems of such small internal combustion engines is that fuel vapors may escape from the fuel supply systems to the atmosphere, such as from the carburetor or from the fuel tank. For example, in a float bowl type carburetor, fuel vapors may escape to the atmosphere via the internal venting structure of the carburetor which connects the air space of the fuel bowl with the carburetor throat. Also, fuel vapors in the fuel tank may escape to the atmosphere through the venting structure in the fuel tank cap.
- What is needed is a fuel supply system for small internal combustion engines which prevents the escape of fuel vapors to the atmosphere, thereby controlling and/or substantially eliminating fuel vapor emissions from such engines.
- The present invention provides an evaporative emissions control system for small internal combustion engines, including a fuel vapor control device, such as a charcoal canister which is in fluid communication with the air space above the liquid fuel within the carburetor of the engine and the air space above the liquid fuel within the fuel tank of the engine. The charcoal canister contains charcoal media, and when the engine is not running, fuel vapors from the carburetor and the fuel tank migrate to, and are trapped within, the charcoal media of the charcoal canister. The charcoal canister may comprise a separate component, or may be integrally formed with an engine component such as the air cleaner, the carburetor, or the body of the fuel tank, for example. During running of the engine, vacuum within the carburetor induces a flow of atmospheric air through the charcoal canister to purge the collected fuel vapors from the charcoal media, and the fuel vapors pass into the engine for consumption. In another embodiment, an evaporative emissions control system including a charcoal canister is provided for an engine which includes a fuel injection system.
- In one embodiment, the charcoal canister is integrally formed with the air cleaner or with the body of the fuel tank. The charcoal canister includes a long dimension having opposite ends each fluidly connected to a vacuum source within the carburetor, and a minor dimension having one or more fittings fluidly communicating the charcoal canister with the fuel bowl of the carburetor and with the fuel tank. When the engine is not running, fuel vapors from the fuel bowl of the carburetor and from the fuel tank migrate to the charcoal canister, and are trapped within the charcoal media, saturating the charcoal media from the central portion of the charcoal canister outwardly along the long dimension of the charcoal canister to most effectively utilize the volume of charcoal media for trapping fuel vapors. When the engine is running, a flow of purging atmospheric air is induced through the charcoal canister along its long dimension in one of two directions based upon the running conditions of the engine to ensure effective purging of the collected fuel vapors from the charcoal canister.
- In another embodiment, a fuel tank cap, connected to the filler neck of the fuel tank, includes charcoal media which trap fuel vapors from the fuel tank. Additionally, the fuel tank cap is in fluid communication with the carburetor fuel bowl such that that fuel vapors from the carburetor fuel bowl migrate to, and are trapped within, the charcoal media of the fuel tank cap. During running of the engine, vacuum from the carburetor is communicated to the fuel tank cap, inducing an air flow through the fuel tank cap which purges the fuel vapors from the charcoal media in the fuel tank cap for consumption by the engine.
- In an additional embodiment, the charcoal canister is in fluid communication with the intake manifold of the engine on opposite sides of a fuel injector body connected to the intake manifold. A fuel pump is disposed in a fuel supply line between the fuel tank and the fuel injector body. When the engine is not running, vapors from the fuel tank are trapped within the charcoal canister. When the engine is running, a vacuum is created in the intake manifold, inducing an air flow through the charcoal canister which purges the fuel vapors from the charcoal media for consumption by the engine. Concurrently, the fuel pump supplies fuel through the fuel supply line to the fuel injector body for injection into the intake manifold to combine with the intake air.
- Advantageously, the present evaporative emissions control system facilitates the collection and trapping of fuel vapors from the fuel supply system of the engine within a charcoal canister to prevent the fuel vapors from exiting the fuel system of the engine to the atmosphere. During running of the engine, the collected fuel vapors are purged from the charcoal canister and are consumed within the engine. Further, operation of the present emissions control system requires no action on the part of the operator of the engine, and is fully automatic responsive to the running conditions of the engine.
- In one form thereof, the present invention provides an internal combustion engine, including a carburetor having an intake air passage, and a fuel chamber in fluid communication with the passage, the chamber containing a volume of liquid fuel and an air space; a fuel tank in fluid communication with the fuel chamber, the fuel tank containing a volume of liquid fuel and an air space; and a fuel vapor control device including a housing containing fuel vapor absorbent media and having a substantially elongate profile with first and second ends and a central portion therebetween, at least one of the carburetor air space and the fuel tank air space in fluid communication with the central portion of the housing, the carburetor passage in fluid communication with one of the first and second ends and the other of the first and second ends in fluid communication with the atmosphere, whereby fuel vapors collect within the fuel vapor absorbent media, and passage of air through the carburetor passage induces a flow of air from the atmosphere through the housing to the carburetor passage to purge fuel vapors from the housing.
- In another form thereof, the present invention provides an internal combustion engine operable at low and high speeds, including a carburetor including a passage through which engine intake air is drawn, the passage having an inlet and an outlet; a throttle valve disposed within the passage, the throttle valve movable between a substantially closed position corresponding to low engine speeds and a substantially open position corresponding to high engine speeds; and a fuel chamber in fluid communication with the passage, the fuel chamber containing a volume of liquid fuel and an air space; a fuel tank in fluid communication with the fuel chamber, the fuel tank containing a volume of liquid fuel and an air space; and a fuel vapor control device including a housing containing fuel vapor absorbent media, the housing in fluid communication with at least one of the carburetor air space and the fuel tank air space, and in fluid communication with the carburetor passage at a first location proximate the throttle valve and at a second location proximate the inlet; whereby fuel vapors collect within the fuel vapor absorbent media of the housing, and at low engine speeds, airflow through the carburetor passage with substantial closure of the throttle valve induces purging of fuel vapors from the housing in a direction from the second location to the first location, and at high engine speeds, airflow through the carburetor passage with substantial opening of the throttle valve induces purging of fuel vapors from the housing in a direction from the first location to the second location.
- In anther form thereof, the present invention provides an internal combustion engine, including a carburetor having an intake air passage, and a fuel chamber in fluid communication with the passage, the chamber containing a volume of liquid fuel and an air space; a fuel tank in fluid communication with the fuel chamber, the fuel tank containing a volume of liquid fuel and an air space; and a fuel tank cap attached to the fuel tank and containing fuel vapor absorbent media, the fuel tank cap in fluid communication with the carburetor passage, the atmosphere, and with at least one of the fuel tank air space and the carburetor airspace; whereby fuel vapors collect within the fuel vapor absorbent media, and passage of air through the carburetor passage induces a flow of air from the atmosphere through the fuel tank cap to the carburetor passage to purge fuel vapors from the fuel tank cap.
- The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lawnmower including an internal combustion engine having an evaporative emissions controls system in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the evaporative emissions control system; -
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, partial sectional view through the fuel tank body, showing a combination valve used in the present evaporative emissions control systems; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the evaporative emissions control system; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the evaporative emissions control system; -
FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of the evaporative emissions control system; -
FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 ofFIG. 6 ; and -
FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of the evaporative emissions control system. - Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention any manner.
- Referring first to
FIG. 1 ,lawnmower 20 is shown as an example of an implement with which a small internal combustion engine may be used, the engine including an evaporative emissions control system of the present invention. Lawnmower 20 generally includesdeck 22 havingwheels 24, and a user-operable handle 26 extending upwardly fromdeck 22. A smallinternal combustion engine 28 is mounted todeck 22.Engine 28 is shown herein as a vertical crankshaft engine which drives a cutting blade (not shown) disposed beneathdeck 22. However, the evaporative emissions control systems of the present invention are equally applicable to horizontal crankshaft engines, as well as engines having one, two, or more cylinders of the type commonly used with a variety of different types of implements, including lawnmowers, lawn and garden tractors, snow throwers, compressors, generators, and the like.Engine 28 includesfuel tank 32 storing liquid fuel, withfuel tank 32 closed byfuel tank cap 34. Generally, as discussed further below,fuel tank 32 supplies liquid fuel to the fuel bowl ofcarburetor 36, which mixes the fuel with intake air to provide a fuel/air combustion mixture forengine 28. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , an evaporativeemissions control system 30 a in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. As discussed below, the evaporative emissions control system disclosed herein include fuel vapor control devices, such as canisters, that contain a fuel absorbent media. An exemplary fuel absorbent media is charcoal, although other types of fuel absorbent media may also be used. -
Carburetor 36 is connected to the intake passage (not shown) ofengine 28, and generally includescarburetor body 38 having an intake air passage orthroat 40 withinlet end 42, and outlet end 44 connected to the intake passage ofengine 28.Throat 40 includes a constricted portion orventuri 46 proximate amain fuel jet 48 through which liquid fuel is drawn fromfuel bowl 50 ofcarburetor 36 intothroat 40 for mixing with intake air in a known manner during running ofengine 28.Fuel bowl 50 is connected tocarburetor body 38 in a suitable manner, and contains a volume of liquid fuel. Generally,fuel bowl 50 includes a float-type valve (not shown) for metering liquid fuel intofuel bowl 50 fromfuel tank 32 via a gravity feed or pump feed, for example. - Disposed within
throat 40 ofcarburetor 36 is athrottle valve plate 52, which is rotatable to vary the amount of air/fuel mixture which is supplied toengine 28, and therefore to in turn vary the running speed ofengine 28.Throttle valve 52 is controlled by an operator ofengine 28 and/or by the governor (not shown) ofengine 28 through a suitable linkage arrangement, for example. Althoughcarburetor 36 is shown herein as a fuel bowl or float-type carburetor, the evaporative emissions control systems of the present invention are equally applicable to diaphragm carburetors.Air cleaner 54 is attached to inlet end 42 ofcarburetor 36, and includes a housing containingfilter media 56 for filtering dust, dirt, and other debris from the intake air which is drawn throughinlet openings 57 in the housing ofair cleaner 54. -
Fuel tank 32 generally includesfuel tank body 58 andfiller neck 60 having external threads.Fuel tank cap 34 includes internal threads for threaded attachment tofiller neck 60 to closefuel tank 32.Gasket 62 is disposed withinfuel tank cap 34 to provide a fluid tight seal betweenfuel tank cap 34 andfiller neck 60 such that, whenfuel tank cap 34 is attached tofiller neck 60, air is prevented from enteringfuel tank 32 from the atmosphere, and fuel vapors withinfuel tank 32 are prevented from escapingfuel tank 32 to the atmosphere. Thus,fuel tank cap 34 is a “non-vented” cap, and differs from known fuel tank caps which include fuel tank venting arrangements.Fuel tank 32 stores a quantity of liquid fuel, which is supplied throughfuel outlet 64 offuel tank 34 andfuel supply line 66 to fuelinlet 68 offuel bowl 50 ofcarburetor 36 by a gravity feed whenfuel tank 32 is disposed abovefuel bowl 50. Alternatively, a fuel pump, such asfuel pump 67 ofFIG. 4 , may be used to convey liquid fuel fromfuel tank 32 tofuel bowl 50 during running ofengine 28. - Evaporative emissions control
system 30 a includes a fuel vapor control device, shown as charcoal orcarbon canister 70. As shown inFIG. 2 ,charcoal canister 70 may be integrally formed withair cleaner 54. Alternatively,charcoal canister 70 may be integrated intocarburetor body 38, or may comprise a separate, stand-alone component attached toair cleaner 54,carburetor body 38, or another suitable portion ofengine 28 or the implement with whichengine 28 is used. The embodiments ofFIGS. 4-8 include similar fuel vapor control devices, and the following discussion of same is also applicable thereto.Charcoal canister 70 includes aelongated housing 72 having an openfirst end 74 and an oppositesecond end 76 with fitting 78, wherein first and second ends 74 and 76 are oriented along the major dimension ofcharcoal canister 70. Fitting 80 is located near the central portion ofcharcoal canister 70 about the minor dimension ofcharcoal canister 70. -
Charcoal canister 70 includescharcoal media 84 therein for trapping fuel vapors, as described further below.Charcoal media 84 may be in the form of small pellets of activated charcoal or carbon, or other suitable absorbent material, for example, and suitable charcoal media is available from many commercial sources, such as Sentec E&E Co., Ltd., of Taiwan, and MeadWestvaco Corporation, P. O. Box 14, Covington, Va. 24426.Charcoal media 84 is typically rated by its Normal Butane Capacity (“NBC”) in g/ml. A typical NBC rating is 10, but carbon having capacities of up to 15 is commercially available. -
Housing 72 ofcharcoal canister 70 has an elongate profile, such that the length ofhousing 72 is greater than its cross-sectional width. For example,housing 72 may have a length to cross sectional width aspect ratio of two, three, four, five, six, seven, or more for the reasons discussed below. In other words canister 70 may have a length to diameter ratio of from 1 to 7, more preferably from 2 to 7, most preferably from 3 to 7. - The volume of
canister 70 is sized according to the volumetric capacity offuel tank 32. A typical ratio of the volume of liquid fuel intank 32 to the volume ofcharcoal media 84 withincanister 70 is 16 for NBC 10 carbon, however, the foregoing may be varied with use of carbon having different NBC ratings. In one example, a fuel tank of a typical walk behind lawn mower engine having a volumetric capacity of 950 cc (1 quart), would require a canister having a volume of 60 cc using 10 NBC carbon, wherein use of 15 NBC carbon may allow the volume of the canister to be reduced 20% to 48 cc. In another example, a fuel tank of a larger engine, such as the engine of a riding lawnmower having a volumetric capacity of 4750 cc (5 quarts), would require a canister having a volume of 700 cc using 10 NBC carbon, wherein use of 15 NBC carbon may allow the volume of the canister to be reduced 20% to 380 cc. -
Fuel tank 32 includes avent housing 88 formed as a portion of thebody 58 offuel tank 32, withvent housing 88 includingfittings Vent line 92 connectsfittings vent housing 88 withcharcoal canister 70.Combination valve 94 is mounted infuel tank body 58, and is made of a resilient material such as rubber or a flexible plastic. Referring additionally toFIG. 3 ,combination valve 94 includes a head orflange 96, and a pair offlaps 98 about amain passageway 100 which extends throughvalve 94.Combination valve 94 may be attached tofuel tank body 58 by pressingvalve 94 intoopening 102 infuel tank body 58, withcatches 104 offlaps 98 engaging behindfuel tank body 58 withflaps 98 extending into the interior offuel tank 32.Flaps 98 are “duck bill”-type flaps which are normally resiliently biased together to prevent air from passing fromfuel tank 32 intovent housing 88. However, flaps 98 may flexibly separate from one another to permit air flow fromvent housing 88 tofuel tank 32.Flange 96 ofcombination valve 94 normally overlays and closeshole 106 infuel tank body 58. However, fuel vapors withinfuel tank 32, when built to a sufficient pressure, may resiliently deflectflange 96 ofcombination valve 94 upwardly, such that the fuel vapors may pass throughhole 106 intovent housing 88. - Referring back to
FIG. 2 , fuelbowl vent line 108 is connected between a fitting 110 offuel bowl 50 and fitting 91 of vent housing to fluidly communicate the air space above the fuel withinfuel bowl 50 withvent housing 88, andline 112 is connected between fitting 78 ofcharcoal canister 70 and a fitting 114 incarburetor body 38 which is disposedproximate throttle valve 52 to fluidly communicatethroat 40 of carburetor withcharcoal canister 70. - The operation of evaporative
emissions control system 30 a is as follows. Whenengine 28 is not running, fuel vapors above the liquid fuel infuel tank 32 are trapped withinfuel tank 32 byfuel tank cap 34 andcombination valve 94. When the fuel vapors build to a sufficient pressure withinfuel tank 32, the fuel vapors deflect flange 96 (FIG. 3 ) ofcombination valve 94 and pass throughhole 106 infuel tank body 58 intovent housing 88. Thereafter, the fuel vapors pass throughvent line 92 intocharcoal canister 70, where the fuel vapors are trapped withincharcoal media 84. Similarly, fuel vapors above the liquid fuel withinfuel bowl 50 ofcarburetor 36 may pass through fuelbowl vent line 108 intovent housing 88 and thence throughvent line 92 intocharcoal canister 70, where the fuel vapors are trapped withincharcoal media 84. In this manner, evaporativeemissions control system 30 a is closed to the atmosphere whenengine 28 is not running, and fuel vapors within the fuel supply system ofengine 28 are trapped withincharcoal canister 70. - Advantageously, fitting 80 of
charcoal canister 70, through which fuel vapors pass intocharcoal media 84, is disposed at the central portion ofcharcoal canister 70. Thus, fuel vapors fromfuel tank 32 andfuel bowl 50 saturate thecharcoal media 84 progressively from the center ofcharcoal canister 70 horizontally outwardly toward the opposite first and second ends 74 and 76 ofcharcoal canister 70. In this manner, the interior volume ofcharcoal canister 70 is most effectively utilized for trapping fuel vapors withincharcoal media 84. - When
engine 28 is started, the collected fuel vapors trapped withincharcoal media 84 are purged fromcharcoal media 84 and consumed withinengine 28. Specifically, during low load engine running conditions,throttle valve 52 is mostly closed, such that the passage of air throughthroat 40 ofcarburetor 36 generates a relatively strong vacuumproximate throttle valve 52 and fitting 114 ofline 112. This vacuum is communicated throughline 112 to fitting 78 atsecond end 76 ofcharcoal canister 70 as air is concurrently drawn intothroat 40 andfirst end 74 ofcharcoal canister 70, thereby inducing a flow of atmospheric air axially throughcharcoal canister 70 from itsfirst end 74 to itssecond end 76. The air flow throughcharcoal canister 70 purges the fuel vapors fromcharcoal media 84, and the fuel vapors are carried with the atmospheric air throughline 112 intothroat 40 ofcarburetor 36 for consumption byengine 28. - At high engine running speeds,
throttle valve 52 is mostly fully open, such that a relatively weak vacuum is generated nearthrottle valve 52. However, during high engine running speeds at which throttlevalve 52 is substantially wide open, a strong air flow is induced throughthroat 40 ofcarburetor 36, which air flow passesopen end 74 ofcanister 70 to induce an air flow throughcanister 70 fromsecond end 76 tofirst end 74 ofcharcoal canister 70 in an opposite direction to that described above. In these conditions, fuel vapors are purged fromcharcoal media 84 into the main induction air stream throughthroat 40 ofcarburetor 36 and intoengine 28 for consumption. Therefore, based upon the running conditions ofengine 28, fuel vapors withincharcoal media 84 may be purged fromcharcoal canister 70 in either one of the above-described two directions, resulting in an effective, thorough purging of the collected fuel vapors fromcharcoal canister 70. - During running of
engine 28, atmospheric make-up air may entercharcoal canister 70 during purging of fuel vapors as described above, and a portion of this air may pass throughvent line 92 intovent housing 88, and thereafter throughflaps 98 ofcombination valve 94 intofuel tank 32 as necessary to occupy the expanded air volume created by the consumption of liquid fuel fromfuel tank 32 during running ofengine 28. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , evaporativeemissions control system 30 a also includes ananti-rollover valve 210 invent line 92 to prevent liquid fuel from passing fromfuel tank 32 orfuel bowl 50 intocharcoal canister 70.Anti-rollover valve 210 includesvalve body 212 having fittings forvent line 92.Valve body 212 includescentral bore 214 having one ormore grooves 216 therein.Weight 218 is normally biased upwardly bymain spring 220, andneedle valve member 222 is connected to weight 218 bysecondary spring 224, which is in tension. Normally, whenvalve body 212 is disposed in a substantially vertical orientation, as shown inFIG. 2 , the gravitational force onweight 218 overcomes the bias force ofmain spring 220, such thatsecondary spring 224 andneedle valve member 222 are positioned away fromvalve seat 226, allowing passage of vapors throughvalve body 212 aroundweight 218 throughgrooves 216, and thence throughvalve seat 226. When the orientation ofvalve body 212 moves toward a substantially horizontal position, such as whenlawnmower 20 and engine 28 (FIG. 1 ) are tipped,main spring 220 overcomes the gravitational force uponweight 218 andbiases weight 218 towardvalve seat 226, such thatsecondary spring 224 andneedle valve member 222 are biased into engagement withvalve seat 226, preventing passage of vapors or liquid fuel throughvalve body 212. Whenvalve body 212 is returned to a substantially vertical position, operation of the foregoing components is reversed to openvalve 210, whereinsecondary spring 224 operates to preventneedle valve member 222 from sticking tovalve seat 226. Evaporative emissions controlsystems FIGS. 4-8 also includeanti-rollover valves 210; however, the structural details ofanti-rollover valve 210 are omitted fromFIGS. 4-8 for clarity. - Evaporative
emissions control system 30b according to a second embodiment is shown inFIG. 4 , in which identical reference numerals are used to denote identical or substantially identical components between the first and second embodiments. Evaporativeemissions control system 30b ofFIG. 4 includescharcoal canister 70 integrally formed withbody 58 offuel tank 32, andanti-rollover valve 210 is disposed withinfuel tank body 32 and fluidly communicates directly withcharcoal canister 70.Line 116 is connected between fitting 118 ofair cleaner 54 and fitting 120 ofcharcoal canister 70 to fluidly communicateair cleaner 54 andcharcoal canister 70. Fuelbowl vent line 108 is connected between fitting 110 offuel bowl 50 and fitting 93 of fuel tank. - As shown in
FIG. 4 ,fuel supply line 66 may includefuel pump 67 for pumping fuel fromfuel tank 32 tofuel bowl 50 ofcarburetor 36.Fuel pump 67 may be a diaphragm-type fuel pump actuated by pressure pulses within the crankcase ofengine 28, or alternatively, may be an electrical pump or a shaft-driven type pump driven fromengine 28. Each of the embodiments ofFIGS. 2, 4 , 5, and 6 may also optionally includefuel pump 67.Fuel pump 67 may be included infuel supply line 66 wherefuel tank 32 is disposed at the same level or lower thancarburetor 36, for example, where a gravity fuel feed throughfuel supply line 66 may not be effective. Also,fuel pump 67 may be needed to force fuel fromfuel tank 32 such that make-up air may more easily enterfuel tank 32 throughcombination valve 94, particularly when the level of fuel infuel tank 32 is low, and gravity feed of fuel throughfuel supply line 66 is less effective. - The operation of evaporative
emissions control system 30 b is similar to the operation of evaporativeemissions control system 30 a described above. Specifically, whenengine 28 is not running, fuel vapors withinfuel tank 32 pass throughanti-rollover valve 210 intocharcoal media 84 ofcharcoal canister 70, where the fuel vapors are trapped. Similarly, fuel vapors may pass fromfuel bowl 50 through fuelbowl vent line 108 intofuel tank 32, and thence throughanti-rollover valve 210 intocharcoal canister 70 where the fuel vapors are trapped by thecharcoal media 84. - When
engine 28 is running at low load conditions, a relatively strong vacuum is communicated throughline 112 tocharcoal canister 70. Concurrently, atmospheric air is drawn intocharcoal canister 70 throughline 116. The foregoing induces atmospheric air flow throughcharcoal canister 70 from itsfirst end 74 to itssecond end 76, thereby purging the fuel vapors fromcharcoal media 84 throughline 112 intothroat 40 ofcarburetor 36 for consumption withinengine 28. At high engine running speeds, the strong air flow throughair cleaner 54 andthroat 40 ofcarburetor 36 induces an air flow throughline 112 and throughcharcoal canister 70 from itssecond end 76 to itsfirst end 74, thereby purging the fuel vapors fromcharcoal media 84 throughline 116 intoair cleaner 54 andthroat 40 ofcarburetor 36 for consumption withinengine 28. - Evaporative emissions control system 30 c according to a third embodiment is shown in
FIG. 5 , in which identical reference numerals are used to denote identical or substantially identical components between the first, second, and third embodiments. Evaporative emissions control system 30 c does not includecharcoal canister 70, but rather includesfuel tank cap 130 having anintegral charcoal housing 132.Filler neck 134 offuel tank 32 includes annularouter wall 136 having external threads, and annularinner wall 138. Annular well 140 is defined betweenouter wall 136 andinner wall 138 withinfiller neck 134.Outer wall 136 additionally includes fitting 142 for connection to ventline 112. -
Charcoal housing 132 offuel tank cap 130 containscharcoal media 84, andfuel tank cap 130 additionally includesupper wall 144 andlower wall 146.Skirt portion 148 depends fromlower wall 146, and includes internal threads for engaging the external threads ofouter wall 136 offiller neck 134 for screw-threaded attachment offuel tank cap 130 tofiller neck 134.Gasket 150 is disposed betweenfuel tank cap 130 andfiller neck 134 to provide a seal therebetween, andgasket 150 includes one ormore holes 152.Lower wall 146 offuel tank cap 130 includesanti-rollover valve 210 of the type described above, which extends intofiller neck 134, as well as a plurality ofholes 154 in alignment withholes 152 ofgasket 150, wherein bothholes filler neck 134. Alternatively, rather thanholes gasket 150 andlower wall 146 offuel tank cap 130 may include mutually aligned slots or other openings.Upper wall 144 offuel tank cap 130 also includes acombination valve 94 of the type described above. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , a shut-offvalve 158 is disposed withinvacuum line 112. Shut-offvalve 158 is normally closed whenengine 28 is not running to block communication betweenthroat 40 ofcarburetor 36 andcharcoal housing 132, and shut-offvalve 158 is normally open whenengine 28 is running. Shut-offvalve 158 may be operatively connected with thebail assembly 159 onhandle 26 of lawnmower 20 (FIG. 1 ), for example, or may be connected in another suitable manner mechanically or electrically with another suitable operator control of an implement with whichengine 28 is used, such that shut-offvalve 158 opens just prior to, or contemporaneously with, the starting ofengine 28 and remains open during running ofengine 28. Alternatively, shut-offvalve 158 may be directly responsive to the running ofengine 28 itself, for example, shut-offvalve 158 may be opened and closed responsive to centrifugal forces via a connection to a rotating shaft driven fromengine 28 in the manner disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/508,363, entitled CENTRIFUGALLY OPERATED EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES, filed on Oct. 3, 2003 (Attorney Docket Ref.: TEL0735), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Fuelbowl vent line 108 is connected between fitting 110 offuel bowl 50 and fitting 93 offuel tank 32. - The operation of evaporative emissions control system 30 c is as follows. When
engine 28 is not running, fuel vapors above the liquid fuel infuel tank 32 are trapped withinfuel tank 32 byfuel tank cap 130, and pass throughanti-rollover valve 210 offuel tank cap 130 and intocharcoal housing 132 offuel tank cap 130 where the fuel vapors are trapped bycharcoal media 84. Similarly, fuel vapors above the liquid fuel withinfuel bowl 50 ofcarburetor 36 may pass through fuelbowl vent line 108 intofuel tank 32, and thence throughanti-rollover valve 210 offuel tank cap 130 and intocharcoal housing 132 offuel tank cap 130, where the fuel vapors are trapped bycharcoal media 84. In this manner, evaporative emissions control system 30 c is closed to the atmosphere whenengine 28 is not running, and fuel vapors within the fuel supply system ofengine 28 are trapped withinfuel tank cap 130. - Upon starting of
engine 28, shut-offvalve 158 is opened, and the passage of intake air throughthroat 40 ofcarburetor 36 creates a vacuum which is communicated throughvacuum line 112 to well 140, and thence throughholes 152 ofgasket 150 andholes 154 inlower wall 146 offuel tank cap 130 tocharcoal housing 132 offuel tank cap 130. Concurrently, atmospheric air may entercharcoal housing 132 through thecombination valve 94 inupper wall 144 offuel tank cap 130, thereby inducing a flow of air throughcharcoal housing 132 to purge the collected fuel vapors fromcharcoal media 84 and draw same intothroat 40 ofcarburetor 36, where the fuel vapors are consumed byengine 28. As necessary during running ofengine 28, atmospheric make-up air may pass throughcombination valve 94 inupper wall 144 offuel tank cap 130 and enterfuel tank 32 viaanti-rollover valve 210 to occupy the expanding air volume withinfuel tank 32 which is created as the liquid fuel withinfuel tank 32 is consumed byengine 28. Upon shutdown ofengine 28, shut-offvalve 158 automatically closes to return evaporative emissions control system 30 c to its closed state, described above. - Evaporative emissions control
system 30 d, according to a fourth embodiment, is shown inFIGS. 6 and 7 , in which identical reference numerals are used to denote identical or substantially identical components between the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments. Evaporative emissions controlsystem 30 d is similar to evaporative emissions control system 30 c in that same includesfuel tank cap 130 withcharcoal housing 132. - Referring to
FIGS. 6 and 7 , outer andinner walls filler neck 134 define well infiller neck 134, andouter wall 136 offiller neck 134 includes a pair offittings line 92 and tovacuum line 112, respectively. Additionally,upper wall 144 offuel tank cap 130 lacks ahole 106 therein beneathflange 96 of combination valve 94 (FIG. 3 ), such that air from the atmosphere may pass throughcombination valve 94 intocharcoal housing 132 offuel tank cap 130, but air withincharcoal housing 132 offuel tank cap 130 is prevented from exitingfuel tank cap 130 through thiscombination valve 94. - In use, when
engine 28 is not running, fuel vapors above the liquid fuel infuel tank 32 are trapped withinfuel tank 32 byfuel tank cap 130, and pass throughanti-rollover valve 210 offuel tank cap 130 intocharcoal housing 132 offuel tank cap 130, where the vapors are trapped bycharcoal media 84. Similarly, fuel vapors above the liquid fuel withinfuel bowl 50 ofcarburetor 36 may pass through fuelbowl vent line 92 intofiller neck 134, and thereafter throughanti-rollover valve 210 offuel tank cap 130 and intocharcoal housing 132, where the fuel vapors are trapped bycharcoal media 84. In this manner, evaporativeemissions control system 30 d is closed to the atmosphere whenengine 28 is not running, and fuel vapors within the fuel supply system ofengine 28 are trapped withinfuel tank cap 130. - When
engine 28 is started, passage of air throughthroat 40 ofcarburetor 36 creates a vacuum which is communicated throughvacuum line 112 to second well 162 offiller neck 134, and thence throughholes 152 ingasket 150 andholes 154 inlower wall 146 offuel tank cap 130 intocharcoal housing 132. Concurrently, atmospheric air may entercharcoal housing 132 through thecombination valve 94 inupper wall 144 offuel tank cap 130, thereby inducing a flow of air throughcharcoal housing 132 to purge the collected fuel vapors fromcharcoal media 84 and draw same intothroat 40 ofcarburetor 36, where the fuel vapors are consumed byengine 28. As necessary during running ofengine 28, atmospheric make-up air may pass through thecombination valve 94 offuel tank cap 130 and enterfuel tank 32 to occupy the expanding air volume withinfuel tank 32 which is created as the liquid fuel withinfuel tank 32 is consumed byengine 28. - Evaporative emissions control
system 30 e, according to a fifth embodiment, is shown inFIG. 8 , in which identical reference numerals are used to denote identical or substantially identical components between the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth embodiments. Evaporative emissions controlsystem 30 e is similar to evaporativeemissions control system 30 b ofFIG. 4 in that same includescharcoal canister 70 integral withfuel tank 32. However, thecharcoal canister 70 of evaporativeemissions control system 30 e may also optionally be configured as shown in the embodiments ofFIGS. 2, 5 , and 6. - As shown in
FIG. 8 , evaporativeemissions control system 30 e is for use with a smallinternal combustion engine 28 which includes a fuel injection system.Intake manifold 180 includesfuel injector body 182 connected thereto, withfuel injector body 182 including at least one fuel injector nozzle (not shown) in fluid communication withintake manifold 180.Fuel supply line 184 is connected to fueloutlet 64 offuel tank 32, andfuel pump 186 is disposed withinfuel supply line 184 to supply liquid fuel under pressure tofuel injector body 182.Fuel return line 188 is connected betweenfuel injector body 182 andfuel inlet 190 offuel tank 32 to return excess fuel fromfuel injector body 182 tofuel tank 32.Fuel pump 186 may be a diaphragm-type fuel pump actuated by pressure pulses within the crankcase ofengine 28, or alternatively, may be an electrical pump or a shaft-driven pump driven fromengine 28.Fuel vent lines inlet manifold 180 upstream and downstream offuel injector body 182 atfittings fittings charcoal canister 70. - In use, when
engine 28 is not running, the fuel injector nozzle offuel injector body 182 is closed, such that liquid fuel does not enterintake manifold 180 ofengine 28. Additionally, fuel vapors from within the interior offuel tank 32 pass throughanti-rollover valve 210 as described above, and are trapped withincharcoal media 84 ofcharcoal canister 70. Whenengine 28 is running,fuel pump 186 is actuated to supply fuel under high pressure throughfuel supply line 184 fromfuel tank 32 tofuel injector body 182, and a portion of the fuel is injected byfuel injector body 182 intointake manifold 180 for combining with the intake air to supply a fuel/air combustion mixture toengine 28 for combustion. The remainder of the fuel at a lesser pressure returns tofuel tank 32 throughfuel return line 188. In this manner, a continuous fuel supply loop is maintained betweenfuel tank 32 andfuel injector body 182 with the continuous supply of fuel through the fuel loop aiding the cooling offuel injector body 182. - Additionally, the passage of intake air through
intake manifold 180 creates a vacuum inintake air manifold 180, which induces a flow of air throughvent line 192 intofirst end 74 ofcharcoal canister 70, and outward throughsecond end 76 ofcharcoal canister 70 throughvent line 194 intointake manifold 180 to purge fuel vapors fromcharcoal canister 70 whenengine 28 is running, which fuel vapors are consumed byengine 28. Upon shutdown ofengine 28, operation offuel pump 186 ceases, andfuel injector body 182 closes to return evaporativeemissions control system 30 e to its closed state, described above. - While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.
Claims (18)
Priority Applications (1)
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US11/035,655 US7267112B2 (en) | 2004-02-02 | 2005-01-14 | Evaporative emissions control system including a charcoal canister for small internal combustion engines |
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US54099404P | 2004-02-02 | 2004-02-02 | |
US55950504P | 2004-04-05 | 2004-04-05 | |
US11/035,655 US7267112B2 (en) | 2004-02-02 | 2005-01-14 | Evaporative emissions control system including a charcoal canister for small internal combustion engines |
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US20050178368A1 true US20050178368A1 (en) | 2005-08-18 |
US7267112B2 US7267112B2 (en) | 2007-09-11 |
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US11/035,655 Expired - Fee Related US7267112B2 (en) | 2004-02-02 | 2005-01-14 | Evaporative emissions control system including a charcoal canister for small internal combustion engines |
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US (1) | US7267112B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1559900A2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN100439696C (en) |
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Also Published As
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US7267112B2 (en) | 2007-09-11 |
CN100439696C (en) | 2008-12-03 |
EP1559900A2 (en) | 2005-08-03 |
BRPI0500247A (en) | 2005-09-27 |
CN1651749A (en) | 2005-08-10 |
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